Suddenly, Cigarette Jeans are Popular Again—These are the Shoes That Make Them Look Cool

I don't know about you, but my winter style mood is '90s minimal, and to get me there, I'm putting my weight behind a few key silhouettes. Starting with the foundation of any good outfit: the perfect pair of jeans. Luckily for me, the cigarette jeans trend has arrived just in time.

Echoing the deeply cool shapes that defined the ‘90s, cigarette jeans are cut with a slim leg and a mid- to high-rise waist. They’re more fitted than the relaxed styles that have dominated recent seasons, but not as restrictive as the skinny jeans we long ago retired. Sitting neatly in that sweet spot, this silhouette delivers a sleek, elongating effect that few other denim cuts can rival.

Having quickly cemented itself as the denim style of the season, I’ve been looking into the shoe trends that best complement this new-on-the-scene shape. Below, discover the footwear trends that make cigarette jeans look chicest.

The Chicest Shoes To Wear With Cigarette Jeans

1. Ballet Flats:

Style Notes: If you’re anything like me (read: a flat-shoe devotee), you’ll be delighted to hear that ballet flats make the perfect companion for this trend. Their neat silhouette mirrors the jeans’ slim shape, keeping the overall look refined and polished. Offering a retro pairing that feels both charmingly familiar and perfectly in step with winter 2025.

Shop Cigarette Jeans and Ballet Flats:

Reformation

Cynthia High Rise Straight Jeans

High-rise cigarette jeans are a sleek silhouette that will forever remain in style.

Zara

Leather Ballet Flats 50th Anniversary

Style with white socks to give your look a preppy energy.

Mango

Mid-Rise Slim-Fit Jeans

These come in UK sizes 4—26.

High vamp ballet flats are fast becoming one of the season's favourite shoes trends.

2. Slingback Heels

Style Notes: When it comes to elevating your cigarette jeans for evening plans, nothing beats a sleek slingback heel. Playing up the jeans’ streamlined cut, a pointed-toe slingback enhances that leg-lengthening illusion, creating a smooth, elongated silhouette.

Shop Cigarette Jeans and Slingback Heels:

H&M

Slim Straight High Ankle Jeans

If you have your eye on these, I'd be quick. They're on their way to selling out.

Massimo Dutti

Leather High-Heel Mules

Style with cigarette jeans or wear these with tights and a LBD.

COS

Column Straight-Leg Jeans

COS's straight leg jeans are a fashion person's favourite for a reason.

Reformation

Wrenley Heeled Slingback

While I love these in the rich burgundy, they also come in five other shades.

3. Sock Boots:

Style Notes: With colder days setting in, you’ll be wanting to reach for boots more and more—and few pair as well with cigarette jeans than the newly trending sock boot. Both pieces share the same close-fitting, streamlined finish, ensuring a fuss-free silhouette that ensures outfit cohesion.

Shop Cigarette Jeans and Sock Boots:

Zara

Full Length Mid-Waist Jeans

These dark, inky jeans are so easy to slot into a capsule collection.

Khaite

Danielle High-Rise Slim-Leg Jeans

These floor-skimming cigarette jeans are a favourite within fashion circles.

Hush

Leather Sock Fit Boots

All of a sudden, fashion people are obsessed with the sock boot trend all over again.

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Sock Boots

These also come in three other shades.

4. Loafers:

Style Notes: Offering a touch of polish without feeling too formal, loafers bring elegance to this retro cut in a comfortable and uncomplicated way. While black loafers are a natural pairing, a chocolate brown or rich burgundy pairing will give your look a particularly modern feel.